Why CD Projekt Chose Not to Use Generative AI for Witcher 4

CD Projekt, the well-known Polish gaming company, has announced that it will steer clear of using generative AI in the development of The Witcher 4. This decision, as explained by joint CEO Michał Nowakowski during a conversation with investors, stems from concerns over intellectual property issues. Generative AI, which relies on a mix of existing materials—some protected by copyright and others included in training sets with or without consent—poses challenges for creating original, trademarkable content.

Nowakowski elaborated, “Last year, we established a team dedicated to exploring the potential of AI in our future products, including building our own tailored AI models. We have a few research projects in motion, but they’re not particularly focused on generative AI.”

He continued, “Gen AI presents quite a few challenges, particularly in terms of legal IP ownership. Because of these complications, we’re not advancing with any generative AI elements in The Witcher 4 or any upcoming projects for now.”

Back in early 2024, CD Projekt acknowledged that AI could play a role in certain facets of game development, just not in the context of generative AI for its immediate plans.